Butlins query - party size

babyangel10

Hi all,

I am looking at going to Butlins in May and at present there is just me and my daughter going, BUT my mum may come along too at the VERY last minute. (Lives abroad/not sure about time off work and other more complex reasons)

Does anyone know what Butlins policy is as regards this? It seems that you pay a per person price with them, rather than a per accommodation price like with Hoseasons et al, so I obviously don't want to book for 3 people and only 2 go, but equally I don't want to pay for 2 then have mum turned away 'at the gate' or whatever. It really would be THAT last minute too - I don't expect to have time to ring and let them know in advance. She may even just come part way through the week instead, so advance notice wouldn't be possible anyway.

Space in the room isn't a prob cos I can take my daughter's ready bed in case mum comes, but do you know if they would allow a last minute person?! I'm prepared to pay the extra of course.

Or (*coughs*) would they even know, if I were to check in and then meet mum outside later on?;) (Sorry, had to ask!)

I've never been to Butlins so haven't clue how strict these things are. It's not my usual sort of thing but Her Royal Daughterness has asked to go! :rolleyes:

Flamin' prices are a bit steep in comparison to Hoseasons/Haven though! I thought it was a place for those who can't afford hols abroad! £300 for a week in Skeggy in MAY?!!!:eek:

Any advice welcomed

wookie_2

gertybertyangel wrote: »

Hi all,

I am looking at going to Butlins in May and at present there is just me and my daughter going, BUT my mum may come along too at the VERY last minute. (Lives abroad/not sure about time off work and other more complex reasons)

Does anyone know what Butlins policy is as regards this? It seems that you pay a per person price with them, rather than a per accommodation price like with Hoseasons et al, so I obviously don't want to book for 3 people and only 2 go, but equally I don't want to pay for 2 then have mum turned away 'at the gate' or whatever. It really would be THAT last minute too - I don't expect to have time to ring and let them know in advance. She may even just come part way through the week instead, so advance notice wouldn't be possible anyway.

Space in the room isn't a prob cos I can take my daughter's ready bed in case mum comes, but do you know if they would allow a last minute person?! I'm prepared to pay the extra of course.

Or (*coughs*) would they even know, if I were to check in and then meet mum outside later on?;) (Sorry, had to ask!)

I've never been to Butlins so haven't clue how strict these things are. It's not my usual sort of thing but Her Royal Daughterness has asked to go! :rolleyes:

Flamin' prices are a bit steep in comparison to Hoseasons/Haven though! I thought it was a place for those who can't afford hols abroad! £300 for a week in Skeggy in MAY?!!!:eek:

Any advice welcomed

We have been to both the Bognor one and Mindhead one, yes there prices have gone up since i last went, the accomadation is very basic and it is per person, however take plent of money to keep the kids busy, What its like well, have you seen the advert for "James villas holidays", its not like that at all its like a mad rush and dash to get seats for the shows and if you are going half board its a bit rushed, personaly its good for the kids with plenty for them to do, but now i have found Cornwall:cool: i wont be going back to Butlins.
Oh they do not mind what size party you are as long as its a mixed sex party
hope this helps

babyangel10

Thanks for the reply so far - does anyone have a rough idea of the size of the accommodation - whether it be self catering or half board. I know the H/B option doesn't have a kitchen so is obviously smaller, but just wondered how much smaller.

Thanks again for any help.

dmg24

I used to work at Butlins at Skeg.

The accommodation can vary in size greatly, according to the grade of accommodation and the size of the party. Do you know what grade you want? I can highly recommend the Gold accommodation (I have stayed there as a guest since leaving), and the Gold restaurant is also very good.

Some half board accommodation do have kitchen areas, namely all Gold and the Silver and Standard apartments. The Silver and Standard rooms are literally just a bedroom and a bathroom.

If you turned up at Butlins with an extra person, you will be directed to Guest Relations, or the Holiday Shop, in order to change your booking. This can be done on the day, but would be subject to availability. If you are going in school holidays, the centre is likely to be near capacity.

Many people turn up thinking that they will be able to sneak an extra person in. They rarely get away with it. At best, you will be asked to pay for the extra person (at full rate, no discounts would be applied). At worse, you would all be thrown off centre with no refund.

Anything else you want to know just ask! x

babyangel10

Thanks for the insider info! I was looking at the standard accomm due to poor finances this year!!!

But I'll be going in the school hols so would hate to go and find they couldn't accommodate an extra person so I might have to have a rethink. Although mum is only 4ft 9in so I could shove her in a drawer or summit!

I think 'Her Royal Daughterness' is gonna have to put up with good ol' Hoseasons at Mablethorpe at this rate! Much cheaper, but less to do.

Bl00dy kids - if I had my way it'd be a small quiet cosy place in Cornwall or summit!

Thanks again though!

dmg24

Could you not just do a 3 or 4 night break, rather than the whole week? Would cut down on costs a lot. Also, have you asked a travel agent if they have any special offers on (sometimes Butlins have travel agent only offers)?

If you did a Fri - Mon break, could you go another week? The young one can go to school until lunch on Friday, then she would only miss the afternoon and the Monday? It would be a lot cheaper!

If your mum does go, make sure you give yourself an afternoon in the spa for a treat, it's great! x

crawley_girl

Butlins often have internet discounts - I went to Bognor last year for one of their weekend themed events... they email me regularly offering me discount and when I was checking out some prices for May for 6 adults, there was an 'early bird discount' of approx £150.

Have you checked out the discount board?

:heartpuls CG :heartpuls

babyangel10

Might consider a 4 night break, or perhaps a day pass if they are worth it? Haven't tried the travel agents yet - good idea! Dunno about the spa though - we're kinda 'bar' people not 'spa' people! :rotfl:

I have looked at the net and the discount board but nothing at the mo - will keep trying though.

Thanks again! :beer: